Forum

The SourceForge project web for Assist has a mysql database and space for us to start this. What would be the ideal way to begin. Should we use SMF and pack it with mods? Or should we use a CMS and tie in a forum? I can install any software on there.

What exactly are we talking about Blue? If it is about redoing the site, I would use an CMS such as http://www.concrete5.org/, joomla or others to create the front page of the site. Then, I would use SMF with one of the SMF portals for forums. And I would pack it with SMF mods. As I mentioned before, I can help with the site. I am very familiar with both CMS (gaming CMS and not gaming ) and SMF

A few examples of CMS:

http://www.xcelgaming.com/ (gaming)
http://www.concrete5.org/
http://phpnuke-clan.net/ (gaming)
Joomla

Now, for what we need, we may want to go with Concrete or Joomla. Both Xcel Gaming and PhpNuke are more clan oriented

I would like to post a few examples of other successful independent games where we can look for more ideas for our site

http://www.realitymod.com/
http://www.interstellarmarines.com/
http://www.newworldinteractive.com/

Blue, I havent contacted anyone. I havent even tested the software.
To be completely honest, I believe any interaction between Assist and any other download sites, reviews sites, hosting sites and so forth should be done at the administrative level. Besides the obvious technical reasons (access to files and so forth), it looks much more professional when it is done thru official channels. In addition, it has much more chance of getting approved if it is done thru official channels.

I would like to suggest for Assist to be available for download at http://www.desura.com/

We are slowly getting our strength back. Check us out

http://82nd.us/modules/news/

Spanky, why don't you use the staff mod I linked. You will probably have to edit it to fit the custom theme though.

For the info page, let me think about it and will post again.

Concerning getting media from players, I would suggest the use of a SMF mod:

http://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?mod=977

sounds cool.  Will be updating my OS in a bit, so good to know I won't be playing 2.5 for much longer.

Why not boot into Windows/Linux?

A few responses :

1. the staff page would show new and returning players who is running the Assist and who is doing what to keep AA2 going. not only would it show professionalism, but it would allow for the community to know and thank those of you who are running Assist.
As far as space, I see plenty of empty space. One example is next to the players number in game.

Also, on the subject of the menu, why not use a drop down menu?

2. my idea for the affiliate mod is not for advertising/money making, but for banner exchanges with active clans/units within AA2.5, AA3 and any other games and/or gaming communities.
the more people see, hear and learn about Assist, the better for all of us. Consider it free advertising.

3. I understand where you are coming from. As consultant, site developer and having managed/owned many SMF sites I know what you mean.

4. there are plenty of softwares around allowing to take in game screenshots. The easiest is Xfire.
There are also plenty of softwares for videos. Whether it is frag videos or not doesn't matter. And honestly, what counts is what will attracts players and make them talk about Assist. Like I wrote above, attract new and old players by all means necessary.

Blue makes a good point. As devs, you are all thinking about dev and catch hackers. The best advice I give to anyone in my businesses goes something like this:
Put yourself in the shoes of the players. You, as a player, what would you like to see the site to look like, to be like. As a player, what do you think will attract more players.What will it take for players to learn about Assist

As far as sourceforge, I would get a domain named assistdev and forwarded to the sourceforge url